Colonoscopy

(Examination of the Large Bowel)

A colonoscopy is an examination of your entire large bowel using a device called a colonoscopy. The diagnostic procedure, performed by your consultant will be able to get a clear view of the lining of your colon. This will help them diagnose your symptoms or check any bowel condition that you have had diagnosed in the past. You may have been advised to have a colonoscopy if you have:

Bleeding from your anus

Pain in the lower abdomen (tummy)

Persistent diarrhea

Noticed changes to your bowel habits

A family history of bowel cancer

Been placed on a bowel cancer screening pathway

Have an existing condition that needs reviewing such as Crohn’s disease or colitis.

Before having a colonoscopy, you may be seen by a specialist nurse or screening practitioner, who will explain what the procedure involves and outline the advantages. In the two days before your colonoscopy you will need to start bowel preparation, which is a combination of medicine to drink and a temporary change in your diet. This is to make sure that your bowel is empty so that the doctor can perform the examination effectively, and get the best possible view of the bowel lining.

Arranging your Treatment

Before going ahead with this treatment, you will need to have an initial consultation with a specialist Consultant to go through your medical history and diagnosis. At this appointment, your consultant will confirm the exact treatment you require. If you would like to have an initial consultation, you can call us and we can help you find the best consultant for you to see. For more information, call our Sales advisors on 01622 237727 or email enquiries@kims.org.uk. .

Paying for your Treatment

You can be treated at KIMS by using your private medical insurance or by paying for yourself. If you have private medical insurance, you will need to contact your insurer to ensure you are covered for the initial consultation prior to making an appointment and obtain an authorisation number. The insurance company will then need to be advised if you require further treatment. The insurance company usually settles bills on your behalf. If you are paying for your own treatment, you will need to pay for an initial consultation. This will be confirmed at the time of booking but is typically £150-£250. You will also need to pay for any associated diagnostic tests your consultant recommends (for example x-rays and blood tests). Following this consultation, if you don’t need any further treatment or if you decide paying for yourself isn’t the right option, there is no commitment to proceed further. If you require the operation or procedure to be carried out, you will receive a quote for your treatment. This quote is also subject to pre-assessment checks prior to your admission to hospital. Payment is required 7 days prior to admission.

Prices

The table below shows the approximate price for this treatment, which may vary depending on your individual case (see what’s included below).

Bowel examination with removal of tissue

Patient pathway

Diagnostic investigations

Main treatment

Post-discharge care

Guide Price

Hospital fees

n\a

£1,900

Included

£1,900

Guide price

Nil

£1,900

Nil

£1,900

What’s Included

The fixed price package above includes all the costs associated with this treatment at KIMS Hospital. You will be given a quote prior to admission to confirm this cost. The amount you are quoted may differ from the published price for a number of reasons:

The Consultant you choose

Your medical history and whether you have any associated medical conditions which may impact this treatment

The type of anaesthetic your Consultant advises is best for you

The type of implant or drug you choose or your Consultant advises is best for you

In some cases, if you have certain pre-existing medical conditions, it may not be possible to provide you with a fixed price for your Main Treatment. If this is the case, the hospital will discuss the available options with you. Your quote is also subject to pre-assessment checks prior to your admission to hospital.

A colonoscopy takes around 30 minutes to perform and is carried out in the endoscopy suite. During the procedure a long flexible tube (endoscope) with a bright light and a tiny camera on the end is inserted through your back passage and enables your consultant or nurse to get a clear view of the bowel lining. During the test, if the doctor sees anything that needs further investigation, photographs and samples (biopsies) can be taken. Simple polyps can also be quickly removed during a colonoscopy. Immediately after the procedure you will be informed of the results and if any polyps were removed or biopsies taken for further testing. You consultant will then arrange a consultation with you to go through these results.

To find out more: If you would like to come to KIMS contact our sales advisors on 01622 237727 or email enquiries@kims.org.uk